NOTE: Make sure to write “Certified Driver Record" at the top of the application or written request IF you are requesting an official copy.

Ordering Another Person's Record

California considers driving records public information, but that doesn't mean just anybody can order one for just any reason. You can request the driving history, and the DMV will determine whether you receive it.

Include a check or money order for the appropriate fee. (See “Fees for CA Driver License Records" below).

NOTE: Typically, the DMV does not reveal personal and sensitive information on these records; information such as the person's address and Social Security number will be blacked out. Exceptions might be made in legal situations.

Fees for CA Driver License Records

Fees for driver records in CA are:

Online: $2.

By mail: $5.

In person: $5.

Accepted Methods of Payment

The types of payment accepted will vary based on how you request your record.

Online:

If paying online, you'll need to use either:

A major credit/debit card.

The system's eCheck feature.

By Mail:

If requesting your CA drivers record by mail, you'll send a check or money order with your request.

National Driver Register Records

Essentially, the National Driver Register (NDR) is a national database of “problem drivers"—drivers who've had license suspensions or serious traffic convictions, such as DUI.

NDR drivers records include information from every state that's issued you a driver's license, as long as that state has reported the information to the NDR.

You can order your own NDR driving record check or that of an employee, if you're an employer.

When you order an NDR drivers record check via California's application process, the information goes back 3 years from the inquiry date.

Typically, drivers who've ever had suspensions, revocations, or other serious license issues order NDR driving record checks to make sure the information is correct before applying for a license in another state or interviews for jobs that require driving.

Your Own Record

You do not need a request form to order your own record.

Just submit a notarized written request to the Department of Transportation's National Driver Register at:

Traffic Accidents

Be sure to include the original traffic accident report, along with an amended report or correction explanation on official letterhead. You can get these documents from the law enforcement agency that handled the accident.